ds, and fake laughter. It was Sloan's twenty-first birthd

old, but it fit her like a second skin. She stood near a

ng a diamond the size of a skating rink at every camera. Isadore

nto a baring of teeth. She whispered somet

rave of you to show up. Is that the same dress you wore to the

ple nearb

al, Brittany. Unlike your personality,

She raised her glass, cle

ng Brittany's wrist. "Do

d money for clothes, just ask. I know you're desperate.

ed. The implication was clea

y, talking to a senator. He stopp

at cut through the noise. "You're so worried about last night. Is it be

ked. Her eyes widen

. "You think Isadore Grimes is a god? I

l," Brittany spat

e," Asht

him. She didn't stop. But she trailed a hand along the back of a velvet chair near hi

s flared. His eye

look. Panic flar

was freezing. She walked to the railing

you cou

as drunk, swaying slightly, blocking

y, Carter," Ashto

n," Carter slurred, step

ss doors. She saw Isadore

n past Carter. She climb

ess. A thirt

r yelled, sobering up insta

ing her dress. She looked at the glass do

to think she might. She needed to know if the mac